Transforming Meghalaya’s Lake with Innovative Marine Robot First-of-a-Kind Initiative in Northeast India

 On August 25, the Government of Meghalaya will showcase an innovative approach to cleaning

the accumulated waste at Umiam Lake in Meghalaya using AI-integrated robotic boats. This

first-of-its-kind demonstration is a collaboration between the Government of Meghalaya, Smart

Village Movement in alliance with UC Berkeley, and the Hong-based technology partner of SVM,

Clearbot. It aims to set a new standard in environmental conservation and technological

advancement. The event will highlight the potential of AI-driven aquatic technology in addressing

environmental challenges and kick off at 3 p.m. at Kyndong Rella in the Mawdun Area of Umiam

Lake.

The week-long pilot demonstration will focus on using AI-powered robotic boats to clean Umiam

Lake, known for its picturesque beauty, and grappling with waste accumulation and

environmental degradation. This initiative is an endeavour to harness cutting-edge technology to

restore and maintain the pristine beauty of the lake while setting a precedent for sustainable

waste management practices.

AI-powered marine boats offer an effective solution to combat water pollution by identifying and

targeting pollution hotspots, providing real-time monitoring and adaptable strategies. They can

collect 200 kgs in 4 hours of operation. Their deployment underscores the potential of advanced

technologies in environmental conservation and raises public awareness for responsible action.

Using AI-robotic boats presents an opportunity to clean the lake, preserve aquatic ecosystems,

and address pollution concerns. The traditional journey from specific points to the cleaning areas

can take several hours. Still, the introduction of AI-robotic boats is projected to reduce this time,

improving efficiency in waste collection drastically.

The upcoming demonstration promises to transform Umiam Lake through innovation,

collaboration, and technology, creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

About Smart Village Movement: The Smart Village Movement is a collaborative process

facilitated by the Smart Village Movement non profit organization with the UC Berkeley-Haas

Center of Growth Markets to create a Smart Village ecosystem. In partnership with Government,

Academia, Corporations, and Rural Communities, they foster independence and sustainable rural

development in Indian villages and other emerging markets. SVM aims to empower rural people

through digital technologies and open innovation platforms to access global markets.

For more information, please contact:

Tulenam Laloo

State Director - SVM Meghalaya

+91 7005304237 , tulenam@smartvillagemovement.org